History Black diamonds are the rarest in the diamond family. Also called carbonado, black diamonds were created 3.5 billion years ago. Over time, they pushed their way up to the surface through volcanic eruptions about 1 million years ago. Black diamonds are considered to be "young," as clear diamonds were formed approximately 4.25 billion years ago. Features Full of scratch marks containing sulfide deposits, black diamonds are opaque. They are just as hard as clear diamonds, and Brazil is the major supplier of black diamonds. Uniformity of color is quite uncommon, as most black diamonds appear gray and dark gray, and the surface of the diamond is pitted, which makes cutting challenging. Mythology Conflicting myths concerning black diamonds appear in different cultures. In India, black diamonds were considered cursed and a sign of death, as they resembled the eyes of snakes and spiders. In Italy, however, fighting couples could save their marriage simply by touching the stone, as it was believed that all of their troubles would leave them and enter the stone. The Karloff Noir diamond is believed to be the world's largest cut black diamond at 88 carats, and legend has it that when touched, it endows the person with good luck, fortune and happiness. Men's Jewelry The black diamond has been traditionally used in men's jewelry; however, today, more women are interested in acquiring black diamond jewelry as well. Often set in platinum or titanium in men's rings, the black diamond does not have the fire of white diamonds, but its luster has a beauty of its own. Titanium's color can be altered to match the black diamonds, which provides a striking effect when worn. Women's Jewelry In women's jewelry, small black diamonds are often paired with small white diamonds to take advantage of the beautiful contrast between the two. Interestingly, black diamonds look better contrasting with white, rather than clear diamonds, so clarity in the range of G to I would contrast better than finer diamonds. Consequently, the white stones would also cost less, which helps to offset the price of the black stones. Cocktail rings, earrings, pendants and tennis bracelets have enjoyed a surge in popularity, as women's fashions continue to use black and white as the basis for most designs. Wedding Jewelry Since the turn of the twenty-first century, black diamonds have become more popular in wedding jewelry, with both bride and groom sometimes choosing wedding bands with black diamonds set in them. Sometimes, the bride will also choose an engagement ring with either a black diamond main stone surrounded by white diamonds, or a white diamond solitaire with black diamond accent stones. Fashion Jewelry Genuine black diamonds are not used in fashion jewelry. However, names of certain stones may confuse the purchaser. The Alaska Black Diamond is actually hematite; The Nevada Black Diamond is merely obsidian; and a Radium Black Diamond is really smoky quartz.
Refraction: With cubic zirconia, there is a rainbow of colors in a prism effect because it disperses light more than diamonds do. With diamonds you see pure white when it reflects sunlight.
Texture: Diamonds are much harder and clean cut than cubic zirconia. Interestingly, cubic zirconia will be more “flawless” in appearance than real diamonds. CZ is made made and as such is made without flaws. Diamonds are natural and contain flaws.
Heat Resistance: Diamonds are much more resistant to heat, whereas if cubic zirconia is exposed to high heat, it can shatter.
Price: Cubic zirconia is generally much less expensive for sames sized stones.
Diamond Diamond is a colourless exceptionally hard mineral (but often tinted yellow, orange, blue, brown, or black by impurities), found in certain igneous rocks esp. the kimberlites of South Africa. It is used as a gemstone, as anabrasive, and on the working edges of cutting tools. Cut Cut enables a diamond to make the best use of light. A well cut diamond is the work of a master diamond cutter. When cut to good proportions, a diamond will handle light better resulting in more brilliance. A well proportioned diamond occurs when light enters through the crown to be reflected from one facet to another and then dispersed through the top of the stone. If the diamond is cut too deep, some of the light entering the diamond is reflected and escapes through the pavilion. If the diamond is cut too shallow, some of the light entering the diamond escapes through the pavilion before it can be reflected. Cutting Grades Ideal ----Diamonds cut to Ideal proportions. Maximum beauty is yielded with these proportions. Excellent ---- Diamonds cut just outside of Ideal proportions Very Good-- Diamonds cut just somewhat outside of ideal proportions Good --- Diamonds cut noticeably outside ideal proportions but above average. Fair---- Diamonds cut below average proportions with noticeably reduced brilliance and cutting flaws to the untrained eye. Poor--- Diamonds cut well below average proportions with distinctively reduced brilliance and noticeable cutting irregularities to the untrained eye. Colour Diamond is a colourless exceptionally hard mineral (but often tinted yellow, orange, blue, brown, or black by impurities), found in certain igneous rocks esp. the kimberlites of South Africa. It is used as a gemstone, as anabrasive, and on the working edges of cutting tools. ClarityIt is the extent to which a diamond is free of any inclusions. FL (Flawless) Flawless diamonds show no inclusions or blemishes of any sort when examined by a skilled grader under 10X magnification. IF (internally Flawless) Internally Flawless diamonds show no inclusions and only insignificant blemishes of when examined by a skilled grader under 10X magnification. VVS1-VVS2 (Very Very Slightly Included) VVS Diamonds contain minute inclusions that are difficult for even a skilled grader to see under 10X magnification. VS1-VS2 (Very Slightly Included) VS stones contain minor inclusions ranging from difficult (VS1) to some what easy (VS2) for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. SI1-SI2 (Slightly Included) SI stones contain noticeable inclusions which are easy (SI1) or very easy (SI2) for a trained grader to see under 10X magnification. I1-I2-I3 (Imperfect) I-grade diamonds contain inclusions that (a) are obvious to a trained grader under 10X Magnification (b) can be seen face-up with unaided eye (c) seriously affect the stone`s potential durability (d) are so numerous they affect transparency and brilliance Carat It is the measurement with which diamonds and other precious and semi-precious stones are measured by. One Carat is divided into 100 points. (i.e., 75 points equals to 0.75cts). As the carat weight of a diamond increases, so does the rarity and value of a diamond when compared to a diamond of same cut, colour and clarity. Carat size alone does not represent the total beauty and value if it lacks a high colour, high clarity or brilliance.
Biggest Diamonds ever found discovered in South Africa
Thursday, October 1, 2009
The rough 507 carat white stone was unearthed at the historic Cullinan mine – where the famous Cullinan diamond was discovered in 1905.
A spokesman for the mining firm Petra Diamond said the gemstone found last week was among the world's 20 largest diamonds ever discovered.
He added: "Initial examinations indicate that it is of exceptional colour and clarity, and most likely to be a Type I diamond.
"At 507 carats (just over 100 grams) the diamond, which has yet to be named, is considered to be among the top 20 largest high quality rough diamonds ever found worldwide and ranks alongside other illustrious diamonds recovered at the celebrated Cullinan mine.
The stone was found alongside three other valuable diamonds, with miners also unearthing a gemstone of 168.00 carats and two other stones of 58.50 and 53.30 carats.
Petra confirmed the rocks were discovered during digging at the huge Cullinan mine, around 25 miles outside Pretoria in South Africa's mineral-rich Gauteng province.
The original 3,106 carat Cullinan diamond became the largest rough diamond ever discovered when it was found on January 26 1905 by miner Frederick Wells.
Once polished, the stone was presented to King Edward VII and now forms part of the British crown jewels.
Experts have put its value in excess of £200 million.
It was only overtaken as the world's biggest polished diamond in 1985 with the discovery of the Golden Jubilee diamond, also at the Cullinan mine.
That stone was smaller than the original on discovery but had a larger polished weight of 545 carats.
The Cullinan mine has also produced several of the world's other largest diamonds, including the famous Centenary diamond, at 599 carats rough.
Cleaning & Storage Tips for Diamond Earrings, Pendants and Jewelry
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Why Cleaning is Necessary Diamond jewelry accumulates dirt and oil buildup after a while. This buildup comes from hand lotions, hair styling products, dust, and even perspiration. If you never clean your diamond jewelry, the buildup will only get worse and will finally turn into gunk on the back of your jewelry or stone. The buildup is usually not noticeable for a while, but before you know it, your diamond looks dull and dirty. You can clean jewelry at home or have a jeweler clean it for you.
How to Clean Diamond Jewelry To clean diamond jewelry, create a solution using warm water and mild liquid dish detergent such as Ivory detergent. Ammonia solution or water solution may be used for fracture-filled diamonds. If other gemstones are included with your diamond, be extremely careful not to damage these during cleaning. There are also jewelry cleaning solutions available in the marketplace, but you can use the household remedy above to save time and money.
Soak the jewelry in the solution for a while and then use a soft brush to remove dirt and gunk from the jewelry. Never use a brush with hard or stiff bristles because this could scratch any metal areas of your jewelry. After cleaning with the brush, swish the jewelry around a few times in the solution. Then, rinse the jewelry in warm water. Always cover or close your drain before rinsing diamond jewelry over a sink. Small pieces may fall down the drain if you drop them.
How to Store Diamond Jewelry Diamond earrings, pendants, and jewelry should be stored so the jewelry doesn’t rub together and get scratched. Use soft jewelry cloth to separate your different pieces of jewelry. Store your jewelry in a dry room or area of your home, safe from moisture or condensation. Also, keep your valuables in a safe, hidden place. Even with jewelry insurance coverage, losing a sentimental diamond ring or other diamond jewelry can be a heart-breaking experience.
For jewelry items very close to your heart such as a diamond engagement ring, never leave them lying around on a counter, dresser, or table where they can easily be knocked off. Place them in your jewelry box when you need to take them off for chores so you’ll always know where they are.
Clean and store your diamond earrings, pendants, and jewelry safely, and they’ll never lose their beautiful, shiny appeal. More info here
The Satya Paul Design Studio, a company with roots in the early stages of India’s fashion industry, displayed the most expensive necktie in the world at a fashion show aptly titled “Cultural Ties” in Mumbai on October 29th, 2003. Tied around the neck of bollywood film star Salman Khan, this unique tie is made of pure silk with a pattern in 150 grams of gold. It’s also adorned with 271 diamonds weighing 77 carats weighing 77 carats total.
The world’s most expensive necktie was created for the Suashish Diamond group and priced at INR 1 crore—that’s 10 million rupees or, at the time, over $220,000. More info here
Stuart Weitzman’s Ruby Slippers $1.2 million Based on their namesake footwear from The Wizard of Oz, these extravagant slippers were designed for the 2003 Oscars. Unfortunately, they were never worn due to the solemn mood of the times. They are studded with 642 Burma rubies weighing in at 123.33 carats. The settings are made of half a pound of platinum. These shoes were made with the help of Oscar Heyman Bros.
Stuart Weitzman’s Cinderella Slippers $2 million Worn by singer Alison Krauss at the 2004 Academy Awards, these shoes were Weitzman’s next pair of fantasy-themed slippers. They are studded with 565 Kwiat diamonds—55 carats of clear diamonds and a single 5-carat gem. Unfortunately, they’re probably not made of glass. They are currently on display in Beverly Hills, California.
Stuart Weitzman and Le Vian evening shoes $2 million Made in conjunction between Stuart Weitzman and the 500-year-old tradition of the Le Vian name, these stunning slippers are made of silver leather set with over 200 carats of precious stones. There are over 185 carats of museum-quality tanzanite gemstones along the ankle bracelets, including the two 16-carat gems hanging from each. Additionally, there are 28 carats of diamonds along the front straps.
Harry Winston’s Ruby Slippers $3 million While the original ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland were made with sequins, these spectacular slippers designed by Ronald Winston of the House of Harry Winston to mark the classic movie’s fiftieth anniversary used real rubies. The slippers include 4,600 rubies totaling 1,350 carats (as well as 50 carats of diamonds) which took craftsman Javiar Barerra two months to set. Made in 1989, the world’s most expensive shoes were still on sale in 2000.
This precious ice is called The Vivid Pink, which really explains, more or less, it’s sparkling good looks. It has been set in a ring designed by graff and comes from a private collection. Jewelry experts have estimated the value of this diamond between $5million and $7 million. The auction is expected to be held in the beginning of December. With a weight of a neat 5 carats, it is perhaps the largest Fancy Vivid Pink Potentially Flawless diamond to have ever been sold at Christie’s.
Again, this pink diamond is also treasured because it has not a single trace of any other color exceot for the deeply saturated shade of pink which is rarely seen in diamonds (if you refer it to the ‘Pink Panther’ as in the famous movie, trust us, the vivid pink will still win with its unique vibrance)! Apparently, only one in one hundred thousand diamonds have a color that is deep enough to qualify as ‘Fancy’. Before the December auction, the Fancy Vivid Pink diamond will for on a touring display in NY, Singapore, Bangkok, Geneva and Taipei from October onwards. More info here
Women In Blue: Come to the world of latest diamond jewelry which has gone completely blue. Thanks to the blending of traditional diamonds with the precious stones like topaz, sapphire, lapis lazouli, turquoise, aquamarine etc. Probably, such a beautiful combination will make you blush in blue, not in red though.
Pure Purple: Purple diamonds are a reality. Believe it or not, though they are found very rarely. So if you are looking for a diamond jewelry made of natural purple diamond, then be sure that you are recession proof. Definitely, its rareness can burn numerous holes in your pocket. However, you can go for diamond jewelry made of artificial purple diamonds.
Pink Parade: The pink diamond jewelry can be another choice of those who are planning to marry this summer. Telling him to buy you a pink wedding ring can be a great idea, if you want to look beyond purple. Everybody knows how pink makes a magic when combined with white wedding gowns.
Diamonds are the ultimate form of luxury. Now, famous jewelry designer Roberto Coin has given this precious ice a more exquisite form in his new Cento Diamond Collection. What makes the cento unique is the simple fact that it has a 100 facet diamond cut. Which means that unlike the traditional cut, this one flaunts 37 facets on just top alone while the bottom has 63 facets instead of the usual 33 and 24 respectively. The extra number of facets allows the diamond to shine with hundreds of reflections of light.
Might we add that this kind of cut is applied to every single diamond used to construct the Cento. All the stones weigh over 0.7 carats and come from the category ‘flawless’ and ’small inclusions, not visible to the naked eye’. Coin has used only colorless and nearly colorless diamonds for his design.
The forthcoming jewels sale at Chritie’s to be held on October 21 is already got everyone’s attention courtesy the Annenberg Diamond. This one is tunning piece of ice shaped like a square with a value of 31.01 carat. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. Experts in the field have already given the precious stone their approval by saying that this one is an emerald-cut diamond and grade D in color. Apparently, this makes it the most flawless and rarest of its kinds available today.
The Annenberg diamond does not comme alone. Among its entourage, you shall fine two pear-shaped diamonds, each of 1.5 carats and 1.61 carats, all mounted together on a ring designed by David Webb.
The ring belongs to the Leonore Annenberg collection and has an estimated value within $3 million and $5 million. And so, this one shall get the opportunity to tour the world before th final sale in October.
1.Take note of your budget The amount that you are willing to spend will actually determine the range of products that you will choose from. Your budget will actually help you narrow down your options.
2. Look at different stores Do not just go to one store. Window shop. Ask for prices and specifications. Don’t be shy to do this. A diamond ring is not something that you just buy on a whim (except of course if you are a Paris Hilton incarnate and you just have tons of money to spare!). Clerks in stores will understand this as they too will not be buying diamond rings without studying every aspect of it.
3. Look at the properties Remember too that in buying diamonds, you don’t just look at the designs but also the properties like the clarity, the carat, the color and the cut. This will largely determine the price of the diamond that you will be buying. Often, stores will have some sort of record of the properties of each diamond ring that they have on display. Ask the clerk about this.
To give you a rundown of the properties, here they are. Clarity refers to the clearness of the gemstone. This will include the imperfections, the haziness as well as the brilliance. The color as the name suggests refers to the color. Some diamonds are yellowish in color. These are the less expensive ones. The carat refers to the size and the weight of the diamond while the cut refers to the way the diamond is cut to enhance its brilliance. Popular choices are the princess cut and the emerald cut.
One of the first coloured diamonds to be introduced to the world is the famous French Blue, which was bought by Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605-1689) in Mogul India. It later became known as the Hope Diamond. India has produced probably more blue and light pink diamonds than any other known place on earth. Brazil and other diamond producing mines in Africa came along later as alternative sources of coloured diamonds.
Australia is now a big player in coloured diamonds. Australian production is made up of the cape and brown series (colourless to tinted diamonds). Beauty characterises their uniqueness. Today there is a greater range of colours than ever—aqua-blues, intense yellows, sweet pinks, pink browns, browns, greens, red and purple (the last being extremely rare), all of which represent nature’s patient work over millions of years.
It was in 1984 that the first pink diamonds from Australia’s Argyle mine began to show up in the new market for coloured diamonds. Pink diamonds are rare, costly and very desirable. The rich pinks to purple pinks are signature colours of the Argyle mine.
When viewed in a face-up position, Argyle’s pink diamonds tend to have numerous minute pink grain lines embedded closely together in the crystal. This is the reason for the stones’ pleasing and concentrated pinkness. Experts believe that these may be a result of the diamond crystals undergoing ‘plastic deformation’ by geological pressures exerted on them in the earth or during their rise to the earth’s surface create.
The more exceptional pink to red diamonds are sold individually by invitation-only special auctions known as ‘tenders’ in New York, Sydney, Tokyo, Hong Kong, London and Geneva. About 40 to 50 carats of diamonds weighing less than 3 carats each are sold at these auctions annually. Bids can hit prices in excess of US$100,000 per carat. Of every million carats of rough diamonds produced by a mine, roughly only 1 carat is suitable for these auctions.
The majority of diamonds produced at Argyle are brown diamonds, with the remaining being yellow to near colourless and colourless. The very rare pink, grayish blue, and green diamonds make up less than 1 per cent.
Diamond Types
Type Ia: Approximately 98 per cent of all natural diamonds are of this type. These contain relatively large amounts of nitrogen distributed in aggregates of small groups of nitrogen atoms. These diamonds range in colour from colourless to pale yellow. They are also called ‘cape diamonds’ as they show the distinctive cape spectrum when analysed by a spectroscope.
Type Ib: These account for less than 1 per cent of diamonds in nature. They contain smaller amounts of nitrogen, but this is evenly dispersed throughout the stone as single atoms. Such diamonds have a deep yellow colour and are often called ‘canaries’ because of it. They do not show the cape spectrum.
Type IIa: Diamonds of this type are extremely rare. They do not contain enough nitrogen to be detected with standard gemological methods. They are usually near colourless.
Type IIb: These are the most rare of diamonds. They are thought to contain more boron than nitrogen and are electrically conductive. A conduction test is diagnostic for type IIb diamonds. Their colour is usually blue to gray or more rarely, near colourless.
Colour: This is the key factor with all fancy coloured diamonds. However the grading process is very subjective. Objective colour grading requires a mechanism for consistent observation and established colour references with suitable master stones. Generally, clarity and cut have less impact on value.
The origin of colour has a strong impact on price. Today, identifying the natural colours of fancy coloured diamonds are a challenge. Only a fully equipped gemological laboratory with expertise in natural coloured diamond analysis can identify them.
The colour of a stone is graded on a face-up position. Quality grading depends on hue, intensity of colour with pleasing tone and an even colour distribution.
How hue is described can make a lot of difference in price. It is also important to know the terminology for describing the colour variances that interest you, the available colour shades and its rarity and value. For instance, the colour of a fancy yellow diamond might be described as yellow, orangish yellow or brownish yellow like in yellow sapphires.
Primary and secondary hues affect colour gradation. Some colour combinations are rare and more expensive than others. The popular pink and yellow diamonds are generally less intense in colour while a brown, which is a highly saturated orange, has a strong body colour due to its high tone.
Tone, described as relative lightness or darkness, also influences overall colour. What makes a coloured diamond desirable is its brilliant flashes among less bright flashes. Yellow and pink diamonds should display more yellow and pink brilliance flashes respectively. Diamonds of intense colour, such as the ruby red, sapphire blues and emerald greens, are extremely rare. They are the most expensive of all gemstones. Fancy black diamonds, typically opaque, are less expensive than other fancy colours. Fancy white diamonds, usually milky or cloudy in appearance, are less desirable and therefore less expensive.
It is also important to know how diamond reports classify the intensity of colour. This can be faint, very light, light, fancy light, fancy, fancy dark, fancy deep, fancy intense and fancy vivid. The tonal differences affect the value of a diamond.
Lately, HPHT (High Pressure High Temperature) techniques can be used to produce off-white and brownish diamonds into a variety of fancy colours from yellowish green and greenish yellow to shades of pink and blue. Some of these colours are difficult to distinguish from the natural. It is highly recommended to obtain a laboratory report for any fancy coloured diamond.
Clarity: Clarity is graded on the same criteria used for colourless diamonds. Generally, flawless (10x magnification) natural coloured diamonds are rare. The clarity is graded slightly imperfect/included and imperfect/included.
Clarity enhancements such as fracture filling and lasering of black inclusions (bleaching of dark included crystals in order to make them less visible) are also common.
Cut: Some shapes that are common among coloured diamonds can influence overall brilliance and intensity of colour. Since size and shape of the rough determines the final cut, the password is flexibility. Some shapes are rare and difficult to fashion, while other shapes are easy in any colour. Emerald cut is difficult to find, and sometimes even round brilliant cut in a particular colour is even more difficult. Lately, radiant and princess cuts have become popular because cutters have found a way to maximize the brilliance of flashes through a combination of shape, proportions and facet alignments—elements that give a diamond its life.
Natural diamonds are dear. But its the most appropriate gift the beau can give to his beloved fianc. Time and again, it has always been a universal part of the matrimonial custom to give a diamond ring during a marriage proposal. It is a perfect gift for the suitor to express his intentions of tying the knot and a definite symbol of eternity – - of enduring love and affection.
Expressing love through diamond engagement ring though can sometimes be an expensive thing to do so that is where your creativity comes in. You dont need to be too grand with carats when it comes to choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring and then spend much money for it to please a woman.
Settle for the 1 carat diamond engagement ring and you can have a lot of choices of styles to find that perfect ring suited for your loved one.
1 carat diamond engagement rings are available in different designs and for sure, one of them would make a perfect fit for your fianc and will surely be appreciated. The design will vary on the shape of the diamond. You may also take a look at the cut and how clear it is.
Most people think that diamonds are usually the domain of engagement rings, diamonds are actually increasingly popular for use in wedding rings as well. Because the diamond is a classic gemstone which symbolizes love and fidelity, incorporating one or more into the design of your wedding ring is a beautiful symbol of your love for one another.
Styles A popular choice would be a bridal set, which encompasses both a diamond wedding ring and a complementary engagement ring, designed to be worn together. You can also choose from a simple wedding band with small diamonds scattered throughout, or a three-stone design with diamonds that are roughly uniform in size for a classically beautiful look.
Pave settings are also highly popular for use as wedding rings. With a pave setting, the entire band seems to be created from nothing but diamonds. While these rings may be more expensive than other kinds, their beauty is undeniable.
The Cost For example, a higher quality diamond will cost much more than a stone with a lesser quality rating, and larger diamonds will typically cost more than diamonds with a lesser carat weight. Synthetic diamonds (i.e., “fake stones”,) may be able to emulate the look of a true diamond without the hefty price tag.
The intricacy of the design and type of metal used will also affect the overall price of a diamond wedding ring, so keep this in mind when shopping for the perfect ring. You would also do well to familiarize yourself with the 4 C’s of diamond quality (cut, carat weight, color and clarity) which will help you when examining diamonds and choosing the one that is right for you.
A rare and flawless cushion-shaped blue diamond is expected to sell for between $5.8 million and $8.5 million
Petra Diamonds said that the stone ranks amongst the most important blue diamonds ever to be offered for sale at Sotheby’s.
Discovered in Petra Diamonds’ Cullinan diamond mine in South Africa, the 7.03ct diamond was cut from a 26.58ct rough stone.
It has received the highest possible grading from The Gemological Institute of America, which marked it as a fancy vivid blue colour and internally flawless in clarity.
The magnificent gem will first be exhibited in Hong Kong, Paris, New York and London.
“Rough-diamond prices currently aren’t that good, so we decided to go this route and ensure the stone gets maximum exposure,” Johan Dippenaar, Petra’s chief executive, told Bloomberg News.
The world’s most expensive blue diamond is the 17th century Blue Wittelsbach Diamond, which sold for $24.3 million at Christie’s last December.
One of the rarest blues diamond that Sotheby’s have auctioned ever was sold at premier jewelry auction in Geneva on May 12. It weighs 7.03 ct and is smaller than a penny piece. This expensive blue diamond was found in Cullinan mine in South Africa last year, and its clarity was graded as flawless - the highest designation. Pre-sale estimate price was $US 5.8-8.5 million. But in fact it was sold for a record 10.5 million Swiss francs ($9.5m; £6.2m). Auctioneer David Bennett said: “It is a new world record price for a blue diamond.”
The Blue Heart The Blue Heart diamond is 30.82 carats.
The Centenary Diamond The Centenary Diamond On March 1, 1988, De Beers was having a big bash to celebrate their 100 years in business.
The Cullinan Diamond The Cullinan Diamond At an insane 3,106.75 carats the Cullinan is the largest diamond ever found. It was split into nine big chunks, 96 small ones and 9.5 carats of unpolished pieces. They’re all part of the Crown Jewels or belong in the private collection of the royal family:
The Golden Eye Diamond The world’s largest flawless Canary Yellow diamond. Its original uncut 124.5-carat state. The Golden Eye Diamond This particular type of diamond - a fancy intense yellow - accounts for less than 0.1 percent of all natural diamonds, so you can imagine how rare one this size is. The gem was cut to a still-huge 43.51 carats and somehow became entangled in a drug dealing and money laundering ring in Ohio, which was busted in 2006. As a result, the unusual jewel became property of the U.S. government. Just as of May 11, 2009, it was declared that the Golden Eye diamond belonged to the government, and in turn, the government announced that it would be auctioning the diamond off. So if you’re looking for a rare yellow diamond in the neighborhood of $15-$20 million.
The Koh-i-noor The Koh-i-noor The Koh-i-noor is more than 5,000 years old.For hundreds of years it was in the possession of various Indian Emperors and was even installed into the Peacock Throne of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.But in 1851, it was decided that the bauble would be presented to Queen Victoria, who immediately put it on display at the Crystal Palace Exhibition.
Spirit of de Grisogono The largest cut black diamond in the world is also the world’s fifth-largest diamond of any kind, weighing in at 312.24 carats. It was 587 carats before it was cut. The Spirit of de Grisogono is set in a ring that contains 702 white diamonds and is thought to have been sold to a private collector.
The Earth Star The Earth Star When this huge sparkler was found at a South African De Beers mine in 1967, it was a whopping 248.9 carats. As you can imagine, it caused quite the stir in the industry, and not just because of its massive size. It was actually the color everyone was talking about: The Earth Star was brown. The Baum gold Bros. jewelers bought the enormous jewel and cut it into a pear shape that ended up weighing 111.59 carats.
The Golden Jubilee The Golden Jubilee It’s the largest faceted diamond in the world. But when it was first discovered in 1985, people in the industry refered to the 755.5 uncut rock as “The Unnamed Brown” and “The Ugly Duckling.” Since it was kind of homely, De Beers decided to let jewel cutter Gabriel Tolkow sky try an experimental method of cutting using some untested tools.
The Ocean Dream Diamond The Ocean Dream Diamond The Ocean Dream may be small - a mere 5.51 carats - but it’s the only diamond in the world of its kind. No other diamond is known to naturally possess a blue-green hue like this one. The color is thought to have come from being exposed to natural radiation in Central Africa for thousands of years.
The Hope Diamond Hope diamond This 45.52 fancy deep blue diamond is gorgeous, to be sure, but also deadly - at least according to some. The Hope’s story starts with the Tavernier Blue, a crudely cut triangular stone of about 115 carats that was sold to King Louis XIV in 1669. Several years later, Louis had the stone cut down to about 67 carats and had it suspended on a gold ribbon so he could wear it on formal occasions. He renamed the new cut the “French Blue.” In the mid 1700s, Louis XV had the gem set into a pendant and it was much speculated that Marie Antoinette wore it; the curse is the reason she was beheaded. Not so, say most historians: there’s no evidence that it ever adorned the doomed Queen. The French Blue mysteriously disappeared in a jewel heist in 1792 and never turned up again.
What's in a Certificate? A certificate is a blueprint of a loose diamond. Wholesalers, retailers, and consumers alike know a certificate as either a diamond grading report or diamond dossier. A certificate will tell a diamond’s exact measurements, weight, cut and overall quality. A certificate will precisely point out a diamond’s individual characteristics as well as be a useful tool when identifying a stone. When shopping for a loose diamond, considering stones that have a grading report will allow you to make an informed decision on which diamond will be ideal for you.
G.I.A G.I.A. is the number one, most respected laboratory in the world. Any diamond submitted to G.I.A. is ensured to have reliable and consistent grading. Anywhere from 3-6 separate gemologists will individually grade each and every diamond for an accurate final grade. G.I.A. grading reports have been considered to be a hallmark of integrity throughout the diamond world. G.I.A. issues two separate types of reports. One of the more common reports is the full issued G.I.A. document, which will have the full description of the diamond as well as a plotting of the grade setting clarity characteristics of that stone. This report is generally used for diamonds 1.00ct and above. The second type of report issued through G.I.A. is the Dossier, which is typically done on diamonds under a carat.
A.G.S. A.G.S. is known through out the diamond industry as grading top-notch ideal cut round diamonds. Their high standards surpass those of any other grading laboratory when considering color and clarity as well as cut. If a diamond has been graded by A.G.S. Lab, it has met the standards of what is considered the perfect proportions, polish, and symmetry; and has been given a grade of “ideal” or a “000” rating. A.G.S. Ideal cut round diamonds are highly sought after in today’s market.
Diamond prices are determined first by adding the cost of the rough diamond, the cost of cutting the diamond, and all other costs necessary to turn the rough diamond into a marketable diamond. Depending on the importance of the diamond, an independent company may be called in to certify the grade of the diamond based on color, cut, clarity, and weight.
At this point, the DIAMOND becomes more expensive each time it changes hands, until it finally reaches a retailer, where the price is raised a bit more. Before reaching the retailer, however, the diamond must travel from the mine, to the cutter and polisher, to the independent grading company, and then to the Primary market. Once it has reached the primary market, it will be purchased by diamond dealers and wholesalers, and from there it will be sold to retailers.
As you can see, the earlier you can purchase a diamond in the process, the lower the cost of the diamond will be – but not the value. The value is based on what the diamond will sell for in the market place – through a retailer.
If you own a DIAMOND, and you have no idea how much it is worth, you can have it appraised, but the appraisal may not be accurate. You will be better off obtaining a certificate through GIA – Gemological Institute of America. With the information on this certificate, you can use a cutter's guide to accurately determine what your diamond is worth.
There are also many diamond price calculators available. these can be found on the Internet, and many diamond dealers use these as well. You must realize, however, that before you can accurately price a diamond, without a Diamond Grade Report, you need to know quite a bit about diamonds, such as different cuts, clarity, color, and weight – and how each of those aspects adds to the value of a diamond, or decreases the value of the diamond as the case may be.
Diamond jewellery is extremely popular as an everlasting possession and gift. It has a grace and sophistication of its own. Diamond jewellery is just the perfect way of expressing one’s refinement and taste for superior adornments.
Many a times, it becomes difficult to express one’s emotions in words, so diamond jewellery is the best way to express it rather than say a thousand words. Earlier, diamond jewellery was considered the perfect way to flaunt one’s status and reputation in society. However, diamond jewellery has become very popular with the common crowd rather than remaining just the monopoly of the rich and the famous.
Diamond rings are popular jewellery and reflect the trend and style of the present times. Diamond rings are a perfect gift and perhaps the best way of expressing eternal love for your partner. Since a ring has no beginning or end, a diamond ring is considered to be the most lasting and durable symbol of commitment. Exquisite diamond rings can however, cost a lot. In fact, they are very popular gifts for weddings and engagements. Diamond rings make people feel very special because they know how much they cost in the markets these days.
Traditional diamond rings such as Trellis, Solitaire, 3 stone, 4 stone, and 7 stone rings are extremely popular with people these days. Besides this, diamond necklaces and diamond bands are much sought after by people and are cherished as vaunted gift items for a variety of joyous occasions such as engagements, weddings, birthdays, and anniversaries.
Diamond earrings are also an enchanting possession and vaunted gift, especially adorned by ladies. Nowadays, even men wear diamond earrings, mostly only in one ear. Also, men's diamond earrings are simpler than women's diamond earrings, which are more usually an ornate work of art.
Two types of diamond earrings are most popular – the hanging earrings and the studs. Both these varieties exude exuberance and elegance, and look chic on any wearer. Many people now wear diamond earrings as a regular fashion accessory and even put them on to places of work and elsewhere.
Diamond earrings are usually set in gold or platinum in combination with other diamonds or gems such as ruby, emerald, topaz, and sapphire. Again, diamond earrings are priced according to the size, weight, and the quality of the diamonds used. The cut, clarity, and colour of the diamonds also signify the price and quality of the diamond earrings.
Many varieties of diamond earrings are available in the market today. However, be cautioned to purchase only genuine diamond earrings. Also, always decide on a budget before you go out to purchase diamond earrings, as diamonds can be expensive. Moreover, do the necessary amount of research before purchasing diamond earrings, as choosing diamond earrings without the necessary research can become very difficult.
Check out Blue Nile's website. They specialize in diamonds, but also sell different precious gems and gold and silver jewelry.
Click on the option that says "Search for Diamonds." Use the search tools to filter through thousands of high quality diamonds by cut, clarity, color, carat weight, and price. Unlike many normal jewelers, Blue Nile does not even carry diamonds lower than SI2 clarity, because they don't want to sell diamonds that won't look nice.
Check the diamond's offical gemologist certificate. Another huge advantage of shopping online at Blue Nile is that you can view official gemologists certificates for stones right on the site. A normal jeweler will likely avoid showing you certificates and try to schmooze you into paying to much for a low quality stone. Blue Nile does not hide anything about their diamonds.
Attach the diamond to a ring setting if you like. After picking out a diamond you can add it to a setting or just proceed to checkout and buy the loose diamond.
Diamond ring with 0.37-carat Old European cut diamond graded J color, I1 clarity, and measuring 4.38 x 4.46 x 2.88 millimeters, with no fluorescence is bezel-set in a custom 18-karat white gold Richard Landi designer mounting (style LDR360) with 0.27 total carat weight of round bezel-set diamonds and filigree hand carving.
Did you know that there are few diamond jewelry in the world that are so expensive that only very rich people can afford it? Check this out:
Chopard Blue Diamond Ring. This 18-carat diamond ring is valued at $16.26 million. It is about $1.7 million per carat. What makes this diamond so expensive is because of its rarity. Blue diamonds are among the rarest of naturally colored gems which are extremely difficult to find.
Heart of the Kingdom Ruby by Garrard. This 40.63-carat, heart-shaped Burma ruby, mounted on a 155-carat diamond necklace is valued at $14 million. This jewelry claims top spot in the British jeweler’s collection. One interesting part about this jewelry necklace is that it can be transformed into a tiara.
Diamond Drop Earrings by Harry Winston. This third most expensive diamond jewelry in the world costs $8.5 million. The earrings were made in 2006 which consists of two pear-shaped diamonds in a platinum setting with a total of 60.1 carats.
Blue Diamond. Priced at $7.98 million, this rare and flawless blue diamond has set a record as the most expensive precious jewel of its kind ever sold. The gem is 6.04 carats and sparks with an unusual blue hue. Its price is fetched at a Sotheby’s auction in Hong Kong in 2007. The combination of the rare blue color, the internally flawless color, and the large carat weight for a blue diamond make this an exceptional stone among world-class diamonds.
Pear-shaped diamond necklace by Christie’s. This diamond pendant necklace with a pear-shaped diamond is approximately 74.75 carats and costs about $5 million.
If you are confused about why some diamonds are so much more expensive than others, you are not alone. Why oh why can one diamond engagement ring be worth $8000 and another one that doesn’t look that much different to the naked eye be worth only $2000?
The physical weight of a diamond is referred to as its “carat”. The value of a diamond is directly proportional to its size. The larger the diamond, the more valuable it is, because larger diamonds are less common. Greater size makes the diamond more spectacular, and therefore increases the purchase price.
Carat size may push the price up, but only slightly if there is no clarity. Several facets determine clarity on both an internal and external basis. Internal aspects, dubbed inclusions, and external aspects, dubbed blemishes, all contribute to the overall clarity score.
The quantity, type, location, measurement, and tint of its inclusions, or internal facets, as well as its blemishes, or features on the surface, all factor into the clarity. The clarity ranges from the rank of ‘pure,’ meaning no flaws, to ‘heavily included,’ meaning that it is seriously damaged.
These differences are due to the cooling process of the diamonds against other materials. Lack of clarity is a lack of perfection. A diamond is forever, and no one wants to be stuck with an imperfect one forever; therefore, this impacts the price.
Color is the next factor that determines a diamond’s overall value. If possible, a diamond should be as clear as water, but this is not always the case. Colors from other gases and minerals around during the time of the diamond’s formation may have altered its clean appearance and left the gem tinted.
There is a scale of coloration that ranges from “D,” where no color is present, to “Z,” where color is easily visible. There is a spectrum known as “beyond Z,” where the colors are rich and vibrant within the diamond and are referred to as fancy colors.
Lastly we need to understand the effect of the cut on pricing. The quality of the cut may not be as easy to evaluate for an inexperienced buyer as some of the other factors, but it is nevertheless a critical element as it gives the diamond its sparkle.
To view a diamond from the point of view of the cut is to investigate whether or not it has any ‘fire’. Like the other criteria for grading, the cut has it’s own grading scale that goes from excellent to irregular. If the diamond doesn’t knock your socks off then it likely has not been cut very well.
he history of the diamond rings dates way back in time, women have always loved there diamonds. The tradition of giving a diamond engagement ring as a promise for marriage began in 1477 with Archduke Maximilian of Austria presenting a gold ring set with a diamond as a token of his love to Mary of Burgundy.
During that era, diamonds were viewed as charms that could enhance the love of a husband for his wife. Even Cupid’s arrows were said to be tipped with diamonds and thus an unequaled magical power.
The root of the word diamond is “Adamas,” the Greek word meaning unconquerable and indestructible.
Wearing a diamond ring on the fourth finger of the left hand dates far back to ancient Egypt, where it was believed that the vena amoris (the vein of love) ran from that finger directly to the heart.
Diamonds have been sought the world over, fought over, worshipped and used to cast love spells from the earliest of times. It actually wasn’t until the discovery of diamond mines on the African continent in 1870 that diamonds became accessible to a wider public, increasing demand and influencing design.
For thousands of years, some form of magic was attributed to diamonds for Kings, Queens and their subjects. Diamonds stood for wealth, power, love, spiritual and magical powers. In battle, ancient Kings wore heavy leather breast plates studded with diamonds and other precious stones. The Greeks believed that diamonds were teardrops of the Gods and the fire in the diamond reflected the constant flame of love. Romans considered diamonds to be fragments of tumbling stars.
A diamond certificate is also known as a Diamond Grading Report. This report comes from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA), and you should require this report when you are purchasing a diamond.
With a diamond certificate, you can verify the color, cut, carat, weight, and clarity of the diamond. You don’t have to worry about a diamond dealer telling you anything less than the truth, because the certificate comes from the GIA – not the dealer. You may be required to pay for the certificate, but the cost is usually low, and in many cases, it will help you negotiate a better price on the diamond – or keep you from purchasing a lower quality diamond altogether.
If you buy a high quality diamond, and then later decide to sell the diamond, you will need to have the certificate, or you will have a hard time selling it to someone else. Furthermore, you can use the Diamond Grading Report to look up the wholesale value of the diamond in question. Use the guide that is used by the diamond cutting industry.
With the Certificate, or Diamond Grading Report, there won’t be any doubts when you are trying to purchase a diamond. You can easily find out what the diamond is worth. This will prevent you from overpaying, and it can prevent a seller from under-charging as well.
A copy of the Diamond Grading Report should be given to your insurance company as well, when you insure the diamond. This provides absolute, unquestionable proof of the value of the diamond should it be stolen in the future. Insurance companies cannot argue with the report.
Avoid diamond dealers who seem reluctant to provide a certificate! Also avoid sellers who tell you that a certificate diamond will cost you more – the only additional cost should be the cost of the certificate, which is low. If the dealer doesn’t want to provide a certificate, then you don’t want to do business with that dealer.
Don’t accept certificates from Gemological Laboratories other than GIA. There are many fly-by-night Gemological labs these days, but in the end, GIA has been established as the most respectable and trustworthy – not to mention oldest – of the lot. So avoid dealers who don’t want to use GIA for certification purposes as well.
12 Expert Tips for Saving Money When Buying a Diamond in a Recession from GemFind.com
Properly prioritize the Four Cs - Cut, Color, Clarity, Carat Weight: Cut should be the first priority. Color and clarity have more flexibility as long as it does not go below the center point of the scale. Consider getting the best quality diamond possible in a smaller carat size and upgrade for a larger size at a later date.
Choose a simple, elegant setting for a smaller carat size so the focus will be on the brilliant diamond - not the busy setting.
Review a copy of the diamond's certificate as proof that it has undergone an unbiased, professional examination - but also focus on the diamond's visual beauty - not just the certification. Loose diamonds should have been analyzed and graded by either the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or the American Gem Society Laboratories (AGSL).
Purchase a diamond from a reputable source. Choose an established diamond dealer that has been in business for several consecutive years.
Purchase a diamond from a source with a large inventory. Avoid stores that have reduced their inventory due to the difficult economic times. Always choose a diamond from the largest selection possible. GemFind.com provides the largest selection of high quality diamonds from wholesalers worldwide.
Examine loose diamonds in-person. Do not purchase a loose diamond online without examining it in-person first through a reputable local jeweler. GemFind.com's unique "See It First" program lets shoppers select a loose diamond online, review in-person with the assistance of a local professional jeweler, and then purchase at the lowest online price.
Check out the customer service options. A diamond source should always possess certification by the Gemological Institute of America. A diamond consumer should always have a time period in which they can return the diamond for a full refund or exchange if it is not special order. Also look for free shipping if purchased online. Gemfind.com allows returns on any item, other than a custom or special order, within an industry-leading 45 days from the original date of shipment of the merchandise for a full refund or exchange - and if they have been purchased online - less any shipping charges. GemFind also provides Free 2-Day Shipping for orders over $250 and Free Overnight Shipping for orders over $500.
Keep expectations high when dealing with a diamond retailer. The economy will always rebound eventually and love lasts forever. An outstanding diamond for any occasion can be found through a reputable diamond retailer.
Online diamond sources offer the best prices. However, do not buy online from a diamond retailer who does not allow the shopper to see the diamond first locally at a pre-approved affiliate jeweler before buying.
Don't feel rushed or pressured from a salesperson. Finding the right diamond takes time looking through a large inventory. Reviewing diamonds first online in the privacy or a home or office unrushed is best. The shopper may then select diamonds and request to see them in person at a local jeweler. Homework online pays off in the bottom line.
Always ask about financing. Even during one of the worst recessions in history, a reputable dealer will offer several financing options through contacts at major U.S. banks.
Remember - of all the purchases made to celebrate love and marriage - only the diamond will last forever. A diamond lasts long after the wedding flowers have wilted and the cake has been eaten. The bride will wear her diamond for the rest of her life - and possibly pass on to the next generation.
Firstly, think about your reasons for wanting to buy the diamond online, rather than making a purchase from a local jewelry store. The most frequent reason is cost. Online jewelers have the ability to offer shoppers lower prices due to low overheads. However, you must be careful – sometimes a price that is too low is a sure indication of a scam.
One of the best things about purchasing over the internet is the vast selection. Shopping offline reduces the selection to what is offered in stores in your local area. There are no limits online. However, you must use a great deal of care and consideration before handing your money over to someone that you cannot see and have never met!
Before shopping, learn as much as you can about diamonds – especially cut, color, clarity and carat weights. When you are knowledgeable about diamonds, it will be harder for a con artist to rip you off. You will be ready to buy online once you have learnt more about diamonds.
Don’t rush. You shouldn’t buy the first diamond that appeals to you. Instead, look for similar diamonds for sale. Do some comparison shopping to find the lowest prices. Once you have found the lowest price, start doing your investigation. You know about diamonds, you’ve discovered a diamond that appeals to you, and you’ve found the lowest price – but you are still quite a ways away from actually purchasing that diamond!
Ask about the seller’s credentials, such as professional jewelry associations that they belong to. Take a look at and print the seller’s upgrade, return, and refund policies. As well, check into other services, for example mountings, settings, free shipping and sizing. Check out customer testimonials for this company on the internet. As well, checking online with the Better Business Bureau will let you know if there have been any complaints.
Diamond is the hardest substance found in nature, everyone knows that.
Diamond is 4 times harder than the next hardest natural mineral, corundum more specifically sapphire and ruby.
If a diamond receives a sharp blow in one of it’s forth cleavage directions it will split. A skilled diamond setter should prevent exposing a diamond in any of these directions when mounted in a jewelry piece.
Diamond comes in a broad color range, high refraction, high dispersion (also known as fire), very low reactivity to chemicals and rarity.
Diamonds are in almost every color of the rainbow plus browns, grays, and white. Shades of yellow are most common, followed by colorless. Blue, black, reddish, and greenish are usually more valuable.
Diamonds are found in a type of rock called “Kimberlite”, which comprises the core of certain volcanoes over especially thick portions of the earth’s crust.
Diamonds are found in many areas including South Africa, Russia, and even in Arkansas in the USA.
Many diamonds are mined in the alluvial deposits across river beds in areas such as along the coast of South Africa.
The ancient Hindus called the Diamond “Vajra,” meaning lightening, mainly because of the sparks of light as well as its invincible strength.
The ancient Greeks believed that diamonds were splinters of stars fallen to earth.
Diamond is the symbol of everlasting love. There is nothing more convincing than a promise of an enduring relationship with the brilliant gemstone .
Here 10 Facts About Diamonds You Should Know: 1. The Earliest Use of Diamonds: Polishing Axes 2. Diamonds Are Not The Hardest Substance on Earth 3.De Beers: The Diamond Cartel 4. So Why The Name ‘De Beers’? 5. Are Diamonds Rare? 6. Moon-Sized Diamond 7. Famous Diamonds 8. The Most Brilliant Advertising Campaign of All Time: A Diamond Is Forever 9. Diamonds are Actually Lousy Investments 10. Artificial Diamonds
In buying retail or wholesale diamonds, the accurate definitions of "retailer" and "wholesaler" differ only by who a diamond is being sold to. A wholesale transaction deal is always with a buyer that intends to resell the item to end-consumers and not use it for personal use. A retail transaction is to an "end-user", meaning consumers who are the people who will own and/or wear the diamond or the ring as personal jewelry.
The wonders of technology have given us the Internet, an amazing tool that has narrowed the gaps between buyer and supply source. Today, we have online jewelry stores selling real wholesale diamonds to end-users at prices very close to prices that of retailers. Many true retailers today are not able to buy diamonds for their stores at prices low enough to adequately cover their higher overhead even if they are willing to contend with Internet sellers. Some retailers do not even attempt to participate while others still try.
Be careful of anyone claiming to sell wholesale diamonds to the public. End -consumers must only need to be concerned with THE PRICE they are paying. If a person has shopped correctly you can pay pretty much the same amount as anyone else looking to buy many wholesale diamonds. The market is becoming much more like real estate where there really is no wholesale or retail situation. Any and all buyers can come and buy at the market price.
Undoubtedly, buyers of wholesale diamonds who purchase in huge volumes will enjoy lower prices. Retailers and wholesalers who buy diamonds in large quantities do not pay the same as buyers who buy diamonds one at a time. The best thing to do at this day and age is to look for the correct price from a seller with qualities and services that you are happy and comfortable with. Don't be mislead by these basically now obsolete terms of wholesale and retail when it comes to a solitaire diamond ring or a pair of stud earrings.
"Where can I find wholesale diamonds?" This question has been a popular one. Realistically, there is no such thing as wholesale prices for the general public, and anyone who tells you they are selling you diamonds at wholesale prices is not being 100% truthful. In order to buy at wholesale prices, most wholesalers will necessitate you to be a licensed jeweler with a registered business which has a state-issued business permit and at least 3 references from other wholesalers. Vendors must purchase large quantities of diamonds and must be registered with the JBT (Jeweler's Board of Trade).
D color: This grade refers to an "absolutely colorless" diamond and is the highest color grade given only to exceptionally rare diamonds. Due to color being a natural element of the diamond and the rarity in finding such stones the value of D color stones are very high.
E color: This is considered a "colorless" grade where only minute traces of color can be detected by an expert gemologist.
F color: This is the last of what is considered a "colorless" grade of diamond, where slight color can be detected by an expert gemologist.
G color: This is the highest of the "near-colorless" grades. To the naked eye, color may be noticeable if compared to diamonds of finer grades but otherwise will be very hard to notice. This grade of diamond offers excellent value and looks beautiful.
H color: This is also of the "near-colorless" grade diamond. Color is noticeable only when compared to diamonds of better grades. A diamond of an H color grade looks beautiful, and offers an excellent value.
I color: This is also of the "near-colorless" grades but lower than that of an H grade. Color may be slightly detectable upon close examination by the naked eye. This color grade offers an excellent diamond value.
J color: This is the last of the "near-colorless" grades. The color is slightly detectable to the unaided eye, but this grade of diamond still looks beautiful and offers an very high diamond value.
K-M color: This grade range describes "faintly tinted" grade diamonds, usually yellow and noticeable to the naked eye. Shimmer & Stone does not carry or suggest these grades for fine jewelry.
N-R color: This grade range describes "lightly tinted" diamonds, usually yellow and distractingly noticeable to the naked eye making them unattractive - Shimmer & Stone does not carry or suggest these grades for fine jewelry.
S-Z color: This grade range describes "inferior grades" that have very noticeable tinted hues, usually yellow and may progress to brownish. Tint is very visible to the naked eye, even when mounted - Shimmer & Stone does not carry or suggest these these grades of diamond for fine jewelry.
FL-IF Clarity: "FL" = Flawless: No internal or external flaws. A completely unblemished diamond. "IF" = Internally Flawless: No internal flaws. This diamond may have negligible scratches on the outside, but is completely flawless on the inside. Diamonds of these grades are rare, and are the most beautiful.
VVS1-2: "VVS"; = Very, Very Slightly Included or Imperfect. A VVS1 grade is slightly better than a VVS2 grade. These are the finest clarity grades found at jewelers. Diamonds with this rare quality clarity have beautiful brilliance.
VS1-2: "VS" = Very Slightly Included or Imperfect. A VS1 grade is slightly better than a VS2 grade. These diamonds have inclusions that are typically not visible to the unaided eye also referred to as "eye clean", and are of a much lower price point than higher grades of clarity. Diamonds with this quality clarity are beautiful and offer the best diamond value.
SI1-2 Clarity: "SI" = Slightly Included or Imperfect. An SI1 grade is slightly better than an SI2 grade. Inclusions can be seen under magnification and may be visible with the unaided eye with some SI2 grade stones. These diamonds are also referred to as "eye-clean" and offer an excellent value for the price and quality.
I1-3: "I" = Included or Imperfect. These diamonds have noticeable inclusions. Shimmer & Stone Jewelry does not carry pendants with diamonds of this clarity grade and do not suggest them in fine jewelry.
Black diamonds are also among the rarest gemstones on earth. Among the many colors of diamond, the black one is the most attractive because of many obvious reasons. We all know that diamonds symbolizes immortality, as the song goes “diamonds are forever.” But, aside from that, black diamonds are considered unique and special. A variety of black diamonds were found in Brazil and they came in both round and irregular fragments. They are rarely and distinctly crystallized, having a compact to porous texture. Recently, the black diamonds have emerged overwhelmingly in the fashion industry and they are among the most expensive gem stones in the market. It is an icon of elegance, a symbol of beauty and a representation of eternal life. It is good to have a pair of black diamonds earrings in your jewelry box. Besides, your little black dress would definitely look even more stunning with your little black earrings.
Diamonds are commonly used for creating various types of diamond jewelry especially diamond wedding bands and diamond engagement rings. Therefore, when selecting a diamond to place in either a white gold or yellow gold ring setting, it is very important to look into the four characteristics of diamonds commonly known as the four C’s. carat, cut, clarity, and color. Today, there are canary yellow diamond wedding bands and other colored diamond wedding bands such as blue and pink diamond wedding bands. However, most women enjoy a clear diamond wedding band. In fact, both engagement rings and wedding rings are very expensive and acts as symbols of love and commitment for the bride and groom to be. The reason for using the diamond is that the diamond is the most long lasting, beautiful, and expensive gemstone in the world. However, some people would rather use sapphires, emeralds, and rubies in their wedding bands. Pearls are very pretty and exotic because they are the gem of the sea but they are not often used in wedding bands because they are considered to be soft gemstones by jewelers. See, there are many beautiful gemstones to choose from when wearing jewelry; however since diamonds symbolize love diamonds are the ideal gemstone for the creation of many diamond wedding bands and engagement rings.
Accessorizing your feet with toe rings may have become a fashion trend in the twentieth century but they are being worn by Indian women for centuries to symbolize their married status. Usually women in India wear toe rings in their second toe of both feet with similar or different colors. Silver is mostly the metal that is worn as a toe ring by them. Now that this has become a fashion trend and an accessory, the designs and styles they are available in are uncountable. You can dress up your feet with anklets and toe rings with an elegant shoe to complete the perfect look. The most common body part that is always ignored when it comes to hygiene and cleanliness is our feet. To us the main reason is while we do not look at our feet more often then may be nobody else does either. The assumption we make is very wrong as 1/3 of the people around us judge others while looking at their feet. I have a sibling who has the nature of looking at people’s feet to get a wild idea about their personality.
In the mid-1990s, De Beers began promoting a series of five fancy shapes। Commissioned by the diamond giant in an attempt to find a niche for unusual rough and off colors, the suite of stones, known as the Flower Cuts, was created by Gabi Tolkowsky in 1986. Each of the Flower Cuts - the Dahlia, Fire-Rose, Marigold, Sunflower and Zinnia - is based on unconventional cutting angles and dimensions. The cuts were designed to maximize the natural brilliance and color of diamonds, and create desirability for stones that might have otherwise been shunned. They are neither patented nor trademarked, as De Beers wanted to allow anyone in the world to cut and sell them.
Natural fancy coloured diamonds are very rare and expensive. Purple is one of the rarest and most desirable colours. The attempted Millennium Dome Diamond Robbery was an attempt to steal 12 large diamonds valued at a total of £200 million, an average of over £16 million each. Eleven out of the twelve diamonds were fancy coloured diamonds! Purple is one of the rarest and most desirable colours. A purple diamond recently assessed by the British Gemmological Institute has been estimated to be worth over £14 million, and to be the most valuable natural object in existence on a weight for weight basis. This stone weighs between four and five carats. There is a larger purple diamond on display at a Paris museum, but its colour is paler.
How Expensive?
Quality for quality, fancy purple diamonds are more expensive than ordinary near-colourless ones. The processing adds to the costs, so it is generally only worth treating diamonds of high clarity. The diamonds selected for treatment usually start off a one of the less desirable colours such as brown or yellow. There is no certainty about the final colour that any particular stone will be after treatment.
Italian jeweler Buccellati have created this unique masterpiece for the winter season, The Millennium necklace is made of yellow gold honeycomb using a technique used only by Buccellati which is encrusted with 1290 diamonds totaling more than one hundred and four carats of diamonds which are held in white gold settings.
The next First Lady, Michelle Obama, is getting so much attention not just because she is the wife of the President but because the lady is fast becoming a fashion icon. During the proclamation, she reportedly wore these dangled pair of earrings made of 18k white gold and encrusted with small diamonds. Vogue UK reports that this is from the collection of Loree Rodkin. It’s estimated worth is $10,000.00.
Triple Heart Diamond Pendant Three hearts are set next to each other inside of a larger heart in polished 14k white gold. The center heart is set with diamonds for a total of 0.30 carats of diamonds in high quality H-I Color, SI1-SI2 clarity.
Cross and Diamond Heart Pendant
Another immensely popular and stylish diamond heart pendant. A singularly beautiful white gold cross is set inside of a heart pendant in 14k white gold. Bottom-half of heart is set with 0.08 carats of high quality, H-I Color, SI1-SI2 Clarity diamonds.
Blue Diamond Heart Pendant
Looking for something even more unique? Try Apples of Gold’s 0.92 Carat Blue Diamond Heart Pendant. Set with 37 breathtaking blue diamonds in 14k white gold
Diamond Journey Heart Pendant
Set with 0.25 Carats of graduating Diamonds our, diamond journey heart pendant is angled to one side for a fashionable, trendy look and set in polished 10k white gold.
Dual Two-Tone Diamond Heart Pendant
A graceful mixture of 14k yellow gold and white gold. Elegant and beautiful, our two-tone dual diamond heart pendant is the perfect gift for the holidays! Pick one up for a very affordable Price. Set with 0.02 Carats of white diamonds and illusion-settings
Personalized Engraveable Diamond Heart Pendant
Get your heart pendant customized this year for the ultimate in personalized gifts! Available in your choice of 10k or 14k, yellow or white gold, synthetic diamond or natural diamond, or even a genuine colored gemstone or birthstone!
Black Diamond Journey Heart Pendant
Go alternative with this year’s hottest fashion statement: black diamonds! Set with a full 1.00 Carat of black diamonds in 10k white gold.
Love Diamond Pendant in 14K Yellow Gold
“All you need is Love”–14k gold has established itself as the ultimate classic and trendsetter in fine jewelry. Express your love to your significant other with this beautiful, stylish 14k yellow gold love heart pendant.
Diamond Heart Link Pendant
A diamond-laced heart hangs from a traditional gold heart pendant in this modestly priced diamond pendant in 10k gold. Set with 0.20 carats of diamonds (1/5 Carat)
Three Stone Diamond Heart Pendant
Three stone diamond pendants are full of beauty and symoblism. 3 represents perfection, the Holy Trinity, aesthetic and integral beauty, and much more. Add 0.24 Carats of diamonds and 14k white gold to create a striking pendant and a perfect gift.
Diamonds – How To Know If A Diamond Is Fake Or Real
Friday, January 23, 2009
The first method is to check the diamond with the help of diamond tester as it will help you to differentiate between real diamond and best fake diamond. It is an electronic tester that can check all the diamonds except the moissanite stone for which the diamond tester is not reliable. The best fake diamond is the cubic zirconia and the weight of this diamond is around 50% more than a real diamond of the same size and shape. This weighing test also can find out the difference between fake vs. real diamond.
Another method for checking the best fake diamond is the transparency test in which the diamond is placed up side down on the news paper and if the written matter from the newspaper is legible then be sure that the diamond is not the real one and it can be a best fake diamond. One of the disadvantages of this method is that some of the stones may appear to be a real diamond due its fine cutting. In this case, one needs to be sure about the cutting methods of the stones. This method is very common and enables you to find the real diamond from the best fake diamond.
The third method that helps you to differentiate between fake vs. real diamond is the fog test. Hold the stone or the diamond and blow some air from your mouth on to the stone, if the fog appears on the stone and stays there for next few seconds then it shows that the stone is a best fake diamond because in case of a real diamond, the heat disappears instantly. The oily layers and dirt on the stone might create some problems to differentiate fake vs. real diamond. Thus, before carrying out a test for best fake diamond, clean its surface properly.
Flat Stone Set Diamond Surround Set in Gold Dragonfly Ring Claw-set Central Paste Stone Foliate Design Gold Band with Central Cluster of Diamonds Ring Set wit Floral Cluster of Diamonds Emeralds or Rubies with Diamond Surround - Single & Double Surround Centrally Set Diamond with Diamond Surround Octagonal Mount of Diamonds Diamond-set Shoulders Diamond Background Rings Rings of Various Shapes – Rectangular, Circular, Triangular and Others Diamonds Set with Gold Wire Frame Varying Patterns – Greek, Roman, French, Indian and More Checkerboard Designs Ruby & Diamond Ring Gold Ring, Diamond Set Flared Shoulders
Engagement Rings Pink Diamond Engagement Ring Diamond rings Diamond Rings Antique diamond ring Diamond man ring Diamond ring Men’s Diamond Rings 3 stone diamond anniversary ring Diamond Wedding Rings Eternity Rings Custom diamond ring Diamond Ring Princess Ring Unique Diamond Engagement Rings
The world famous Austrian jeweler, Mr. Peter Aloisson, is a creator of a Diamond Crypto Smartphone. The Smartphone is made of solid platinum 950. The logo and the navigation key are made of 18 carat rose gold, optional made of 18 carat yellow gold. Also the navigation key carries 28 round cut diamonds. The wooden parts of the phone are made of Makassar ebony and carbon. The price of the luxurious Diamond Crypto Smartphone is USD 1.300.000.
Wourld Famous Diamond-Cullinan, Excelsior, Hope, Regent, Taylor-Burton Diamond
Monday, December 22, 2008
The Cullinan Diamond One of the largest diamonds ever found was in South Africa and named for the owner of the mining company. The Cullinan diamond was 3106 carats. It was cut into 105 beautiful diamonds. The largest is the Star of Africa, a 530 carat diamond. In 1907 this diamond was given to King Edward VII of England and set into the Royal Scepter. It is kept, along with the other British Crown Jewels, in the Tower of London.
The Hope Diamond A 44 carat blue diamond set as a pendant with 16 white diamonds surrounding it and a chain of 45 white diamonds. This diamond has an infamous reputation and fluoresces with a unique reddish color when exposed to ultraviolet light. Donated to the Smithsonian.
The Excelsior Diamond A large diamond weighing 995 carats was found in 1893 by an African mine worker. The name Excelsior, meaning higher, came from the stone's original shape - flat on one side and rising to a peak on the other. It was cut into 21 diamonds, the largest being 69 carats. The diamonds were sold to undisclosed parties. The Excelsior 1 was purchased in 1996 by Robert Mouawad.
The Regent Diamond Found on the Kistna River, India in 1701, this 410 carat stone originally known at the Pitt. The diamond was sold to Thomas Pitt who sent it to England to have it cut and polished. The result was a brilliant cushion shaped diamond of 140 carats. In 1717 it was sold to the the Duke of Orleans, regent of France, from which it gets the name Regent. The royals used the stone in many ways including being set in the Crown of Louis XV, as a hair ornament of Queen Marie and as an adornment in the hat of Marie Antoinette. After the French Revolution the stone was set in the hilt of Napoleon Bonaparte's sword. Napoleon's wife, Marie Louisa, carried the Regent back to Austria upon his death. Later her father returned it to the French Crown Jewels. Today, it remains in the French Royal Treasury at Louvre.
The Taylor-Burton Diamond This 69 carat diamond was originally known as the Cartier diamond after Cartier Inc. paid the record price of $1,050,000 for the gem at auction. The next day Richard Burton bought the stone for Elizabeth Taylor. It was then renamed the Taylor-Burton diamond. She first wore the pear shaped diamond publicly at a party for Princess Grace's 40th birthday in Monaco. In 1978, she sold the diamond to build a hospital in Botswana. It was subsequently purchased by Robert Mouawad.
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